Media Release
Pohnpei Hosts a Visit From USS Crommelin
June 25, 2009
On June 24, members from the Navy USS Crommelin FFG-37 made a one day visit to Pohnpei. The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia hosted a roundtable discussion on maritime law enforcement. A tour and lunch aboard the USS Crommelin followed the discussion.
Attendees of the meeting included: William D. Douglas, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Kolonia; Captain Kevin Parker, Commander of the USS Crommelin; The Honorable Assistant Secretary Gabriel Ayin, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Polei Atanraoi, Assistant Attorney General, FSM Department of Justice; Mr. Bernard Thoulag, Executive Director, FSM National Oceanic Resources and Management Authority; Mr. Pius Chotailug, Chief, FSM National Police; Lieutenant Commander Stuart Peter, CO FSS Micronesia; Lieutenant Commander Paul Ruhl, Advisor to the FSM Maritime Wing, Australian Navy, Mr. Michael Murray, Advisor, Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit; and Captain Johnny Santos, Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit.
Crewmembers also participated in a community relations project with the Kolonia Town hall. Ten shipmates from the USS Crommelin joined members of the Pohnpei community to paint the bleachers at the Spanish Wall softball field and enjoy a barbeque lunch. Of the ten shipmates, there were two natives of FSM, including the son of Kosrae state governor Weilbacher. Kolonia mayor Marcelo Peterson and Pohnpei Acting Governor Churchill Edward were also among the attendees.
The USS Crommelin is currently working with the Fourteenth United States Coast Guard District to provide maritime surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Commanding officer Kevin Parker mentioned that this is the first time a U.S. Navy ship has assisted in maritime surveillance and enforcement while transiting the Pacific. He emphasized the importance of U.S. relations with Pacific island countries, of working together to monitor and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific. Captain Parker said he was impressed with the “warm and open” community of Pohnpei and expressed interest in returning to the state.
The USS Crommelin is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate and is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 31. Its homeport is Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The ship’s next stop will be Guam.